Why College Can Be a Game Changer

From Foster Care to Freedom: Guiding the Next Chapter Series: College

Growing up in the foster care system, we already know that life can throw challenges at us that most people our age can’t even imagine. Sometimes just making it through the day feels like a victory. So, when people bring up college, it can sound scary or even impossible. But the truth is, college isn’t just about books and tests. It’s about opportunity, independence, and proving to yourself that your past does not define your future. Whether it’s a 2-year program, a trade school, or a university, higher education can open doors that you don’t even know exist. And the best part is, there are programs and scholarships designed specifically to financially help foster youth who want to attend school.

Why did I decide to go to college?

Ever since I was young, I would tell my mom I wanted to go to college, but with everything that was going on with me the last 5 years of being in the system, I lost hope. But the past 2 years, since I left residential and went into SILP, I’ve been able to build skills to be independent and take the time to get to know myself and what I want in life. I learned that I have a passion for making a change in the system and advocating for youth, and going to school can equip me with the skills and tools to be able to do that more effectively. I only made the decision to go to college a few months ago, but I’m already enrolled and ready to start classes in a few weeks!

Why did I wait to make the decision?

I spent my senior year of High school in residential, and after graduation, I remember everyone trying to pressure me into applying for college, mainly because of all the financial aid opportunities we get for being in care. But truthfully, I wasn’t ready- mentally, emotionally, or financially. I’d just moved into my first SILP apartment, I was figuring out how to pay bills, and honestly, I needed time to learn how to take care of myself before jumping into classes and deadlines. Waiting a few years gave me the chance to work, save money, and really think about what I wanted to study instead of rushing into something just to check a box. Now I’m more focused, more mature, and more determined to succeed. I’m going to school for me, not because someone told me to.

Things I’m excited about

The main thing I’m excited about when it comes to going to college is the opportunities that come with it. If I wasn’t enrolled in school, I wouldn’t be able to be doing this internship right now. This is just the beginning of my journey, and this internship has already given me so many opportunities, so I’m excited to see what comes next! Another reason I’m excited for school is that I want to learn. I know, it sounds corny, but being in the system, I feel like I didn’t get the same education as kids who weren’t in foster care, so I’ve always felt kind of behind. Going to school will give me an opportunity to prove to myself that I am capable, regardless of challenges thrown my way.

Things I’m nervous about

While I am very excited about starting school, I’m also a little anxious about some things. One of my fears is that because I didn’t fully get the education I needed in high school, it will be hard for me to keep up in college. But having this in mind, I can take steps to ensure I utilize all the resources available to me, such as online and in-person tutoring, writing centers, campus libraries, etc. Another reason I’m a little nervous to start school is because I have a lot of commitments right now, and I know it's going to be hard to balance everything at once. But with good communication and time management skills, I’m confident that I’ll be able to make it through. There are a lot of unknowns and “What if’s” but for me personally, I trust that this season of my life is exactly where God wants me to be and that He will get me through any challenges that come my way, as long as I stay faithful. Finding faith is what helped me get my life on track, but I acknowledge that that’s my personal experience. So, if you’re not a person of faith and you’re thinking of going to school but have some fears I encourage you to build a healthy support system of people/places who can help transition you to a new part of your life, along with personal coping skills to help you handle the stress that can come with going to school.

I hope that after reading this blog, you feel motivated to start looking into your own life and asking yourself, “Do I want to go to college?” But just remember that all our stories are different and unique. Just because college is the road I want to go down doesn’t mean it’s the road you have to go down. There are endless opportunities out there; you just need to be willing to find the one that fits you!

Resources:

Need to Know Series: Planning for College or Work

NYS Foster Youth College Success Initiative (FYCSI)